Tocumwal A-grade lost their two one-day games last weekend on their return for the year in the Murray Valley Cricket Association.
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They were defeated by Katunga on Saturday, then Deni Rhinos on Sunday.
Against Katunga, Tocumwal won the toss and chose to bat at home.
Michael Roberts (10) and Josh Wraight (24) got Tocumwal off to a great start being 40 runs at the fall of the first wicket.
The batters did this with smart and positive cricket moving the score along quickly.
Tocumwal consolidated well getting to drinks at 2-66.
Unfortunately, the home side collapsed in the middle order, losing four quick wickets to be 6-87.
Reilly Rennick (24) and Tom White (14 not out) did well to rebuild and give Tocumwal a chance to get a defendable total, but they couldn't quite get the acceleration needed at the end, finishing at 9-130.
It was a good effort to bat out the overs considering a lot of the team haven't played competitive cricket for seven weeks.
Hugh Duncan (4/27) and Jacob Bartlett (2/23) were the pick of the bowlers for Katunga.
Katunga then came out in a mood to chase. They were off to a quick start and Tocumwal never quite managed to get the breakthroughs they needed.
Tom White (1/25) was excellent taking the team’s only wicket, which was well caught by Reilly Rennick in the covers.
Jacob Bartlett (60 not out) and Daniel Henderson (53 not out) got away from the fielding side chasing the total in 20 overs.
On Sunday, Tocumwal took on the Deni Rhinos in Deniliquin.
Tocumwal won the toss and went into the field first taking a little while to warm up.
Andy Arthur and Cooper Harris both bowled beautifully, catching the edge of both openers, but unfortunately Tocumwal couldn't take any of the tough chances created.
This let the opening partnership of Deni get away with Griegan French (76) being particularly brutal hitting four sixes.
With Deni racing away, Tocumwal had to change some things at the drinks break.
Reilly Rennick took a fantastic return catch to get the away side the breakthrough with Deni on 94.
This started a great comeback with all the bowlers building pressure, allowing them to get a run on against the middle order.
Tocumwal managed to have Deni 7/165 heading into the last 13 overs.
The experienced pair of Brad Todd (34) and Boddie Arthur (23 not out) managed to keep Deni's score moving along and got them to 9-225.
The pick of the bowlers were Andrew Lean (5/30), Reilly Rennick (2/46), while the spin twins Josh Wraight and Peter Harrison picked up a wicket each, bowling well at the depth.
With the bat Tocumwal lost an early wicket before Wraight (21) and Michael Roberts again looked good as a pair.
Once Michael departed, the team started to lose regular wickets.
Peter Harrison managed to glue the innings together with a well made 27, highlighted by proving his children wrong by hitting a big six straight down the ground.
Nobody else really got going, though a number tried to stick around and provide support.
Tocumwal ended up being all out for 98 with Rory Bartlett (3/24), Lachlan Holloway (3/19) and Charlie Paton (2/17) taking the wickets for Deni.
It was a great effort today in the field, and a big congratulations to Archie Chellew on his A-grade debut with a nice catch in the covers.
It was a great attitude from the team all weekend.
C-grade
Tocumwal travelled to Strathmerton in what was a crucial game as it was second versus third on the ladder.
Once again Lachie McDonald lost the toss and Tocumwal were sent in to bat.
Some good bowling by the Strathy openers saw the team have to work for their runs.
Brandon Meloury was the first wicket to fall for nine, which sparked a little collapse and left the side 3/29.
Declan Cameron and Aaron Shepherd got to work settling the innings before Declan was out for a well made 23.
This led to another collapse and Toc were then 8/77. Adam Hughes (19) and Paul Stevens (12 not out) made the tail wag before Hughes fell to a great catch.
The side were bowled out in the 35th over for 100.
Heading into the field Tocumwal knew they had to be on their game and not allow any easy runs.
Stevens and McDonald got the team off to a good start with some tight bowling with a couple of wickets in the first few overs.
Declan Cameron and Bryce Meloury were the next bowlers into the attack and continued the tight bowling.
Tocumwal got to drinks and were right in the mix having Strathy 2/35.
After the drinks break the intent was clear from the batsmen as they attacked everything in sight.
This led to a couple of expensive overs which really hurt Tocumwal’s momentum.
The bowlers did keep taking regular wickets however it was not enough to get the job done with Strathy chasing down the total in the 30th over.
Bowling highlights were Aji’s 2/12 off three overs, McDonald’s 1/5 off five overs, Stevens’ 1/10 off three overs, Goldman’s 1/16 off three overs, Hughes’ 1/22 off four overs and Bryce Meloury’s 1/26 off five overs.
This was not the result Tocumwal wanted in this game but the team showed a lot of fight in the field and did a good job trying to defend a small total.
The team now have two games left in the season and while their finals hopes took a hit on Saturday they keep looking forward and pushing for that finals berth.
Under-17s
On Friday afternoon the team travelled to Nathalia for the last home and away game for this season.
With their finals spot already secured Tocumwal lost the toss and were asked to field.
Tom White and Declan Cameron opened the bowling with a chance going down in the first over.
After such a long break it took a bit for the lads to get their heads in the game but it wasn't long before Tom and Declan struck with the ball with the team’s first two wickets.
Shortly after this enter Chase Dickins ripping through the middle order to end up with the great figures of 4-26 off his five overs.
Tocumwal continued to pick up wickets with one to both Sam Bennett and Archie Chellew and another to Declan 3-12 off his five overs.
With Nathalia all out for 95 it was Tocumwal’s turn to bat.
Tom and Archie opened and got the side off to a perfect start 0-50. The team lost Tom soon after and four runs later, Archie, for a fine 36 runs.
James Winn and Declan put on a 29 run partnership, James was out for nine and Declan for 19 to be 4-83, allowing Lachie Packer and Ollie East to steer the ship home.
It was a great win by the team and a perfect birthday present for James White.
Next the under-17s will play in a semi final against Cobram or Katty at Katamatite on Sunday February 15 from 10.30am for 40 overs per innings.
The side that progresses plays the winner of Katunga and Barooga at Katunga.